Arsenal are ready to rebuff interest in Riccardo Calafiori this summer as two clubs line up moves for the £42m defender.
Calafiori has been a largely reliable presence in the Arsenal backline since signing from Italian side Bologna in 2024.
Arsenal beat London rivals Chelsea to a deal for Calafiori after he was one of the few Italy players to impress during their poor Euro 2024 campaign.
Injury issues limited Calafiori to 19 Premier League appearances last season but he has already surpassed that figure this term as Mikel Arteta’s first-choice left-back.
Calafiori has contributed to Arsenal’s brilliant defensive record this season, with the Gunners only conceding 22 goals in the league as they chase their first Premier League title in 22 years.
The 23-year-old Italian’s performances also helped Arsenal reach the Carabao Cup final and go deep in both the Champions League and FA Cup.
Calafiori’s performances at the Emirates Stadium have not gone unnoticed, with reports in Italy claiming both Inter Milan and Napoli would love to bring him back to Serie A.
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It is claimed Inter, last season’s Champions League runners-ups, are especially keen on Calafiori and view him as an ideal fit for their squad.
However, Arsenal have made it clear to interested parties that Calafiori is not for sale ahead of the summer transfer window and expect him to be a key part of the squad for many years to come.
Calafiori has hinted at a future move back to his native country but has no plans on leaving Arsenal anytime soon and wants to win several trophies at the Premier League giants.
Asked if he ever felt ‘homesick’ in England, Calafiori told La Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘I miss the sun and would like to see friends and family more often, but I’m not complaining.
‘In Italy, we’re used to observing, judging, and criticising. I like that it’s not like that here.’
Pressed on why he decided to leave Italy for the Premier League two years ago, Calafiori responded: ‘I’ve always dreamed of playing in England.
‘After the European Championship, my price tag increased, and my agent explained that Arsenal really wanted me.
‘I knew I’d be playing in the toughest league. But I told myself I could always take a step back. And let’s be clear: Arsenal is Arsenal, an iconic team, unlike any other.’
Myles Lewis-Skelly challenged Calafiori for a place in the team last season but has slipped down Arteta’s pecking order this term, sparking speculation over his own future in north London.
Manchester United have even been linked with the 19-year-old England international, who has started just one Premier League game so far this season.
Arteta’s other option at left-back is Piero Hincapie, who joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and will complete a permanent move to Arsenal at the end of the season for £45m.
After 13 days without a game since their Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, Arsenal return to action on Saturday, facing Championship side Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Arteta’s side then have two Champions League games against Sporting and a Premier League clash with Bournemouth in the space of eight days.
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